Suede + Stone wins the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Designer Bathroom of the Year
Congratulations to Kate Gardham Suede + Stone, winner of the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Designer Bathroom of the Year – a design that balances privacy and views
It’s not often that a designer gets to work with a large expanse of glass in a bathroom, a room where there’s usually a major concern with privacy.
But that wasn’t the case in this home, with its four separate pavilions joined by glass breezeways and rural views as far as the eye can see.
In the renovation of the ensuite, the full-height glass walls were retained, with the native bush and established gardens providing screening and privacy between the pavilions.
The redesign creates distinct zones for the various daily rituals of bathing, with separate areas for toilet, vanity, shower and bath.
While there is an overarching feeling of openness, two concessions to privacy were made – a linen curtain that can be pulled around the bath when in use, and a reeded glass door for the toilet enclosure.
Walnut timber for the vanity and reeded wall panelling establishes a connection to the surrounding landscape and adds richness in colour to the interior spaces.
Marble floor tiles – in large and mosaic format – were paired with the subtle variations of a Venetian plaster finish on the walls, while aged iron tapware adds a more masculine touch to the vanity and bath.
The TIDA judges felt that the designer’s skilful deconstruction of the bathroom had resulted in an ideal retreat in which the owners could relax and fully enjoy the setting.
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
